The glycol ethers market is anticipated to have a steady CAGR of 5.7% during the period 2023 to 2033. The glycol ethers market size is predicted to grow from USD 7.66 billion in 2023 to USD 13.34 billion in 2033. Previously, the market was thriving at a higher CAGR of 5% (2018 to 2022), resulting in a market size of USD 7.30 billion in 2022.
The global demand for glycol ethers is expected to rise throughout the projected period due to rising demand for paints and coatings and increased adoption of glycol ethers in cosmetics and personal care products.
The increasing use of cosmetics and personal care products and accelerated demand in the paints and coatings industry are the primary factors driving the glycol ethers market's expansion. On the other hand, REACH and EPA rules concerning the use of glycol ethers and the advent of new products, such as cellulosic ethanol, as a solvent for cleaning agents, are limiting the sales of glycol ethers.
The rising adoption of glycol ethers in the paint and coatings sector is one of the primary factors driving the market's growth. With rising urbanisation and construction activity, demand for paints and coatings in the market has increased, resulting in increased adoption of glycol ethers.
In addition to this, glycol ethers have many uses in the personal care industry, including cosmetics and sunscreens. Furthermore, the rising demand for personal care products has stemmed from an increase in disposable income and purchasing power among people all over the world. This is driving the sales of glycol ethers.
The compound's high boiling point and excellent solvent characteristics make glycol ethers a useful reagent in the manufacturing of several personal care products. As a result, there is a considerable demand for glycol ethers as a raw ingredient due to the widespread use of personal care products. Furthermore, because of its quick-drying properties and great printing quality, glycol ether is used in the printing business.
| Attributes | Details |
|---|---|
| Historical Value (2022) | USD 7.30 billion |
| Current Year Value (2023) | USD 7.66 billion |
| Expected Forecast Value (2033) | USD 13.34 billion |
| Historical CAGR (2018 to 2022) | 5% |
| Projected CAGR (2023 to 2033) | 5.7% |
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As per the glycol ethers market study, glycol ethers have a wide range of applications, but they also release a number of toxic and hazardous gases into the atmosphere. The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has established severe usage guidelines for ethylene glycol ethers under the Toxic Substances Control Act (TSCA). E-series glycol ethers are also hazardous, according to the FDA, and may harm the environment and human health.
Mono ethylene glycol dimethyl ether, diethylene glycol dimethyl ether, ethylene glycol diethyl ether, diethylene glycol diethyl ether, triethylene glycol dimethyl ether, diethylene glycol dibutyl ether, and triethylene glycol dibutyl ether are all harmful, according to the EPA. Narcosis, pulmonary edoema, and severe liver and renal damage are among the side effects of glycol ethers.
These are the primary restraints on glycol ethers market growth throughout the predicted period.
Glycol ethers market opportunities are utilised in a variety of personal and cosmetics items, including skin care, hair care, bath products, cleanliness products, and more. The market is being positively impacted by rapid changes in lifestyle and rising consumer spending on personal and cosmetic items.
There is a rise in the adoption of glycol ethers in a variety of industries, including construction and structures, automobile, textiles, pharmaceuticals, personal care and cosmetics, and others. Water-based paints are becoming more popular in the construction industry, which is helping to drive glycol ethers market expansion.
Principal Consultant
| Segment | 2022 Value Share in Global Market |
|---|---|
| Solvents Application | 53.7% |
| P-series Type | 31.9% |
The paint & coatings segment in the glycol ethers market is expected to lead the industry forward. Glycol ethers and acetates are used to increase the flow and leveling properties of paints, as well as to prolong the wet edge, allowing for smoother lapping while removing brush marks.
The demand for glycol ethers in paints has been boosted by a recent upswing in construction starts around the world, as well as a favourable infrastructure investment scenario. Demand for architectural and industrial coatings is expected to expand as the outlook for automotive production and construction starts improves, providing additional impetus for the growing adoption of glycol ethers throughout the forecast period.
In the printing industry, a variety of solvents are utilised, including hydrocarbons, alcohols, acetates, and ketones. As a tailing solvent that limits evaporation rates, glycol ether is widely preferred. Silkscreen inks mostly contain propylene methyl and di-propylene methyl acetates.
The solvent segment dominates the market since glycol ethers are versatile solvents capable of dissolving a wide range of substances. This makes them suitable for diverse applications. They offer control over evaporation rates. It allows manufacturers to select solvents with specific drying and film formation properties. Additionally, their low volatility reduces safety risks and makes them ideal for industries where flammability and explosion hazards are a concern.
Glycol ethers exhibit excellent solubility in both water and oil, enabling their use in various formulations. Moreover, their relatively low toxicity and environmental impact have positioned them as a preferred choice over more hazardous solvents, especially in regions with strict VOC regulations. The proven performance, efficiency, and established applications of glycol ethers in industries such as paints, coatings, cleaning products, pharmaceuticals, textiles, and electronics contribute to their continued dominance in the solvent segment of the market.
The P-series segment dominates the market due to its excellent performance characteristics, favorable environmental and health attributes, regulatory compliance, application versatility, and strong industry support. It is primarily used in the treatment of metal and non-metal surfaces, as well as the formulation of water treatment solutions and laboratory products. Because of their quick evaporation, surface tension decrease, and low toxicity qualities, they are utilised with cleansers because they provide physical and performance properties for cleaning formulations.
P-series glycol ethers possess exceptional solvent properties. This makes them highly effective in various industrial applications such as paints, coatings, inks, and cleaners. They have lower toxicity and reduced volatile organic compound (VOC) levels compared to other glycol ethers. This line up with stringent environmental regulations and worker safety standards. The versatility of P-series glycol ethers allows them to dissolve a wide range of substances. This makes them adaptable to different manufacturing processes.
The global glycol ethers market is divided into five regions: North America, Latin America, Europe, Asia Pacific, the Middle East, and Africa. Due to rising consumer awareness of high-quality, non-toxic, and biodegradable cosmetics, North America now has a prominent position in the global market for glycol ethers.
The glycol ethers market in North America is witnessing growth due to increasing demand from industries such as paints and coatings, cleaning products, and pharmaceuticals. The region's focus on sustainability, worker safety, product innovation, and strict regulatory landscape are driving the market dynamics and shaping the future of glycol ethers in North America.
| Country | United States |
|---|---|
| 2022 Value Share in Global Market | 29% |
The United States is one of the leading consumers of glycol ethers globally, driven by its robust industrial base and strong demand across multiple sectors. The market has witnessed significant growth due to the expansion of end-use industries, technological advancements, and increasing consumer awareness regarding environmentally-friendly products.
The availability of abundant and affordable shale gas in the United States has positively impacted the market. Shale gas is a key feedstock for the production of ethylene oxide, a primary raw material for glycol ethers. The shale gas boom has resulted in a stable and cost-competitive ethylene oxide supply, benefiting the United States glycol ethers market.
The rising use of glycol ether coatings in the automotive industry for protection and ornamental purposes is driving the expansion of the Europe glycol ethers market size.
The glycol ethers market in Europe is an important segment of the chemical industry, with a wide range of applications in various sectors such as paints and coatings, cleaning products, printing inks, and pharmaceuticals. There is a growing emphasis on sustainable and eco-friendly products across Europe. As a result, there is a shift towards the use of glycol ethers with lower toxicity and reduced environmental impact.
| Country | United Kingdom |
|---|---|
| Value CAGR (2023 to 2033) | 3.8% |
The United Kingdom glycol ethers market is experiencing steady growth due to increasing demand from various end-use industries. The United Kingdom has been witnessing a growing preference for environmentally friendly solvents. This trend has led to an increased focus on bio-based glycol ethers, which offer a sustainable and eco-friendly alternative to conventional solvents.
The paints and coatings industry is a key consumer of glycol ethers. With the growth of the construction sector and increasing infrastructure projects, the demand for paints and coatings has surged, positively impacting the market. The demand for water-based coatings in the United Kingdom has risen due to their lower VOC emissions and environmental benefits. Glycol ethers play a crucial role in water-based coatings as coalescing agents, contributing to the market's overall growth.
| Country | Germany |
|---|---|
| 2022 Value Share in Global Market | 9.9% |
The Germany glycol ethers market is experiencing steady growth and is expected to witness substantial demand in the coming years. The German government has implemented stringent regulations to minimize the environmental impact of chemical substances, including glycol ethers. This has led to a shift toward greener alternatives and the development of environmentally friendly glycol ethers in the market.
Germany is known for its robust automotive sector, which is a key consumer of glycol ethers for automotive paints, coatings, and adhesives. The growth of the automotive industry in Germany directly impacts the demand for glycol ethers. The rising awareness of sustainable packaging practices in Germany has driven the demand for eco-friendly printing inks and coatings. Glycol ethers find wide applications in these sectors, contributing to market expansion.
The glycol ethers market in the Asia Pacific region is experiencing growth due to factors such as economic development, government support, environmental consciousness, technological advancements, and industry-specific demands. China, with a value share of 57.0 percent in the Asia Pacific, is likely to be a highly appealing market. Demand for glycol ethers is predicted to rise in the region due to rising demand for paints, coatings, adhesives, cleansers, printing inks, and electronics and semiconductors.
| Country | Value CAGR (2023 to 2033) |
|---|---|
| China | 4.5% |
| India | 5.1% |
The China glycol ethers market has been experiencing steady growth in recent years, driven by the increasing demand from various end-use industries. China's robust manufacturing sector serves as a key driver for the market. The country's extensive production of paints, textiles, pharmaceuticals, and automotive components creates a significant demand for glycol ethers as key solvents and additives. The automotive sector in China is one of the prime consumers of glycol ethers, primarily for coatings and adhesives. The growth of the automotive industry, driven by increasing vehicle production and demand, directly impacts the market.
The construction industry in China is witnessing rapid growth, driven by urbanization and infrastructure development. The expansion of the construction sector presents significant opportunities for glycol ethers manufacturers. Moreover, China has experienced a tremendous surge in e-commerce activities, resulting in increased demand for packaging materials. Glycol ethers play a vital role in the production of packaging inks and coatings, thus benefiting from the booming e-commerce industry.
The pharmaceutical industry in India is growing rapidly, driven by factors such as an expanding population, increasing healthcare awareness, and government initiatives. Glycol ethers find applications in the pharmaceutical industry as solvents and co-solvents, leading to increased demand in the market. In India, the paints and coatings sector stands as a significant user of glycol ethers. The increasing construction activities and rising disposable incomes have led to a surge in demand for decorative paints and industrial coatings.
The Indian government has been taking measures to promote the use of environmentally friendly products. Initiatives such as the "Make in India" campaign and the introduction of stringent emissions and chemical usage regulations are likely to impact the India glycol ethers market positively. The Indian government's focus on infrastructure development is driving the demand for paints and coatings. This, in turn, boosts the demand for glycol ethers in the country. The "Smart Cities" initiative by the government presents opportunities for the market.
| Country | Japan |
|---|---|
| 2022 Value Share in Global Market | 8.7% |
Glycol ethers have become an essential part of several industries in Japan, primarily driven by their excellent solvency, low toxicity, and compatibility with a wide range of materials. The market has experienced steady growth, and this trend is expected to continue over the forecast period. The increasing demand from end-use industries, such as automotive, construction, and electronics, is the key driver for the Japan glycol ethers market growth.
The electronics industry in Japan is a key consumer of glycol ethers. These solvents are used in the production of electronic components, such as printed circuit boards, semiconductors, and display panels. With Japan being a global hub for electronics manufacturing, the demand for glycol ethers from this industry remains consistently high. The increasing adoption of advanced electronic devices and the development of emerging technologies, such as 5G, the Internet of Things, and electric vehicles, are expected to further drive the demand for glycol ethers in the electronics sector.
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Owing to the manufacturers in the glycol ethers market, there is a lot of competition between them. Multinational corporations dominate the market, while regional businesses compete for product innovation and the application of next-generation technology across the operating spectrum.
The market study indicates that these companies have cemented their market leadership by offering a diverse product portfolio that serves a variety of end-use industries. Apart from product innovation, one of the most important topics addressed by these multinationals is the excellent market positioning of their products in order to attract a larger prospective client base.
Companies are merging and forming joint ventures to expand their presence and product line, as well as expanding their research potential to acquire a competitive advantage in the glycol ethers industry. Furthermore, in order to promote the overall growth of sales of glycol ethers, producers are focusing on economically sustainable and high-quality products.
Some of the recent developments in the Glycol Ethers market are:
ORLEN Po?udnie successfully completed the initial year of operation for its BioPG facility in May 2023. This plant specializes in the conversion of glycerol, a by-product of biodiesel manufacturing, into sustainable propylene glycol known as BioPG. The plant operated by ORLEN Po?udnie utilizes BASF technology to enhance the sustainability of propylene glycol production.
In April 2022, Symrise introduced a novel variant of caprylyl glycol derived from renewable sources. This fresh grade of caprylyl glycol retains the desirable characteristics, advantages, and superior quality of the synthetic grade, Hydrolite CG. Notably, it surpasses sustainability as it is entirely sourced from 100% biobased materials.
Symrise introduced a new form of caprylyl glycol, also referred to as 1,2-octanediol, in April 2022. This plant-derived ingredient offers moisturizing and antimicrobial properties. This makes it suitable for various personal care products such as lotions.
Braskem and Sojitz revealed their collaboration in establishing Sustainea in October 2022. This new venture aims to manufacture and distribute bioMEG (mono ethylene glycol) and bioMPG (mono propylene glycol). The introduction of the brand to the market comes after receiving approval from antitrust authorities, a process that commenced in March 2022.
BASF plans to boost production of integrated ethylene oxide and ethylene oxide derivatives at its Verbund facility in Antwerp in September 2019. The investment surpasses €500 million, according to the firm, and adds 400,000 metric tonnes per year to the company's production. Non-ionic surfactants and glycol ethers for automotive applications are examples of ethylene oxide derivatives.
A CAGR of 5.7% is expected to be achieved by the glycol ethers market.
By 2033, the market will be worth USD 13.34 billion.
A historical growth rate of 5% has been recorded for the market.
The United States is likely to hold the maximum share of the market.
North America shows promising growth prospects.
1. Executive Summary 2. Market Overview 3. Market Background 4. Global Market Analysis 2018 to 2022 and Forecast, 2023 to 2033 5. Global Market Analysis 2018 to 2022 and Forecast 2023 to 2033, By Type 5.1. E-series 5.2. P-series 5.3. Propylene Glycol Methyl Ether 5.4. Propylene Glycol Propyl Ether 5.5. Propylene Glycol Methyl Ether Acetate 5.6. Propylene Glycol Phenyl Ether 5.7. Others 6. Global Market Analysis 2018 to 2022 and Forecast 2023 to 2033, By Application 6.1. Solvent 6.2. Anti-icing 6.3. Hydraulic & Brake Fluid 6.4. Chemical Intermediates 7. Global Market Analysis 2018 to 2022 and Forecast 2023 to 2033, By End Use Industry 7.1. Paints and Coatings 7.2. Printing 7.3. Pharmaceuticals 7.4. Cosmetics & Personal Care 7.5. Others 8. Global Market Analysis 2018 to 2022 and Forecast 2023 to 2033, By Region 8.1. North America 8.2. Latin America 8.3. Western Europe 8.4. Eastern Europe 8.5. South Asia and Pacific 8.6. East Asia 8.7. Middle East and Africa 9. North America Market Analysis 2018 to 2022 and Forecast 2023 to 2033, By Country 10. Latin America Market Analysis 2018 to 2022 and Forecast 2023 to 2033, By Country 11. Western Europe Market Analysis 2018 to 2022 and Forecast 2023 to 2033, By Country 12. Eastern Europe Market Analysis 2018 to 2022 and Forecast 2023 to 2033, By Country 13. South Asia and Pacific Market Analysis 2018 to 2022 and Forecast 2023 to 2033, By Country 14. East Asia Market Analysis 2018 to 2022 and Forecast 2023 to 2033, By Country 15. Middle East and Africa Market Analysis 2018 to 2022 and Forecast 2023 to 2033, By Country 16. Key Countries Market Analysis 17. Market Structure Analysis 18. Competition Analysis 18.1. Eastman Chemical Company 18.2. FBC Chemical Corporation 18.3. Hannong Chemicals Inc. 18.4. Huntsman Corporation 18.5. India Glycols Limited 18.6. KH Neochem 18.7. Royal Dutch Shell 18.8. Dow Inc. 18.9. BASF SE 18.10. INEOS 18.11. Kemipex 18.12. Recochem 19. Assumptions & Acronyms Used 20. Research Methodology
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Glycol Ethers Market
